As the year draws to a close, gardeners are encouraged to begin planning their New Year’s resolutions for their gardens. UC Master Gardener Terry Lewis has provided guidance on seasonal gardening tasks and recommendations for December 19-25, with information adapted from “A Gardener’s Companion for the Central San Joaquin Valley.”
Lewis suggests that now is the time to spray apricots and walnuts with horticultural oil and fixed copper. Gardeners should also provide frost protection by moving or covering tender plants. Floating row covers or fabric can be used as they allow light through and may remain in place, while plastic coverings are not recommended.
For those pruning roses, Lewis advises: “Do not remove leaves from shrub and groundcover roses. When harvesting blooms for arrangements, make your cuts with an eye to shaping the plant.”
Fertilization is not recommended this month. However, it is a suitable period to move perennials, shrubs, or small trees. Gardeners can plant bulbs such as gladiolus and Oriental hybrid lilies, as well as onion sets, parsley, radish, bare root roses, and bridal wreath spiraea.
Plants currently thriving include stock (Matthiola), pansy (Viola), Johnny-jump-up (Viola tricolor), squill (Scilla tubergeniana), bridal wreath spiraea (Spiraea prunifolia), lettuce, navel orange, parsley, and turnip.
Lewis notes that this is also a good time to divide African violets in preparation for early spring bloom.
Those experiencing gardening issues can submit questions and photos to the Fresno County Master Gardeners Helpline.
